Access Adjoining Property to Repair or Maintain

Homeowners get court-ordered access for home repairs

Colorado single-family homeowners can ask the local district court for necessary access to neighboring property for repairs or maintenance. Eligible homes include separate houses and row homes joined by shared sidewalls. The neighbor must refuse verbally or in writing, or not respond within 60 days after receiving notice by certified mail. Homeowners must explain the work, why entry is needed, and their reasonable efforts to get permission. Mediation is encouraged before filing, but not required. The neighbor can present evidence that entry is unnecessary. The court must grant necessary access when it will not harm an easement—an existing right to use the neighboring land. The court sets access rules and duration, and can require advance notice, reasonable payment, or other conditions. This process excludes neighboring property owned or controlled by federal, Colorado, or Colorado local governments. The law takes effect at 12:01 a.m. the day after the 90-day period following the legislature’s final adjournment. That date is August 12, 2026, if final adjournment is May 13, 2026. A referendum petition filed within that period delays the challenged provisions until voters approve them at the November 2026 election. In that case, they take effect when the governor officially declares the vote.